Help for seniors to produce own audio shows

DIALOGUES on grandparenting, interviews with elderly volunteers and advice on making end-of-life preparations.

These will feature on the "Gift of Age" show, an Internet podcast series launched yesterday by elderly volunteers from non-profit group RSVP Singapore.

Spanning six monthly episodes to be released via RSVP's website and Facebook page, the series aims to teach elderly volunteers the skills to script, plan and produce their own audio shows. Dr Kalinga Seneviratne, who came up with the idea, hopes it will help to diversify a youth-focused local media scene.

"The elderly here have few media outlets specially directed at them," said Dr Seneviratne, who lectures on international communications at Nanyang Technological University. "We need to create niche programmes for seniors that don't just revolve around generic health problems, so that they don't feel ignored."

The podcast's launch coincided with the opening of Senior Volunteer Week, RSVP's annual drive to promote charity work among the elderly. This year's highlight is a Pioneer Generation Event in which 200 elderly volunteers will conduct sharing sessions, games and exhibitions on old Singapore for about 150 underprivileged kids.

Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth who officiated the opening, said a focus on senior volunteerism will help take Singapore forward into its 50th birthday.

He said: "It is heartening to know that many of our seniors are contributing and staying involved in the community."

tjoash@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on September 6, 2014.
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